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Journey Through the Bible

Matthew 7:7-8

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

A Deep Dive into Matthew 7:7-8: Meaning and Explanation

Matthew 7:7-8 is a well-known passage from the Bible that offers profound spiritual wisdom and guidance. This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus imparts significant teachings to His followers. Unpacking the meaning and explanation of these verses can lead to a greater understanding of faith and prayer in the Christian life.

Understanding the Passage: Matthew 7:7-8

In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” This passage encourages believers to actively pursue a relationship with God through prayer and persistence.

Meaning and Explanation of Key Elements

  1. Importance of Asking
    • The act of asking signifies humility and recognition of human dependence on divine intervention. It emphasizes that seeking God’s assistance is an essential part of faith, demonstrating trust in His provision.
  2. Seeking and Its Significance
    • To seek is to actively pursue God and His righteousness. It involves a genuine desire for a deeper spiritual connection and understanding, urging believers to diligently search for truth and wisdom.
  3. Knocking with Persistence
    • Knocking symbolizes perseverance and steadfastness in faith. It reflects a commitment to maintaining a connection with God, even when immediate outcomes are not visible, teaching that persistence in prayer leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment.

Summary

Matthew 7:7-8 not only promises that God will respond to those who seek Him but also emphasizes the importance of prayer, persistence, and continual faith. By understanding and implementing the teachings of this passage, believers are encouraged to engage deeply and consistently with their spiritual journey, assured of God’s readiness to respond.

Cross References for Matthew 7:7-8

Revelation 3:17-18 - You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize th... Click to read the verse Revelation 3:17-18 Click to read the verse Revelation 3:17-18

Luke 13:25 - Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pl... Click to read the verse Luke 13:25 Click to read the verse Luke 13:25

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as ... Click to read the verse Matthew 6:33 Click to read the verse Matthew 6:33

Genesis 18:32 - Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can... Click to read the verse Genesis 18:32 Click to read the verse Genesis 18:32

Luke 18:1 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that t... Click to read the verse Luke 18:1 Click to read the verse Luke 18:1

Psalms 10:17 - You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, Click to read the verse Psalms 10:17 Click to read the verse Psalms 10:17

Genesis 18:31 - Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be... Click to read the verse Genesis 18:31 Click to read the verse Genesis 18:31

Matthew 7:11 - If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more ... Click to read the verse Matthew 7:11 Click to read the verse Matthew 7:11

Psalms 86:5 - You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Click to read the verse Psalms 86:5 Click to read the verse Psalms 86:5

Genesis 20:17 - Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife and his slave girls so they coul... Click to read the verse Genesis 20:17 Click to read the verse Genesis 20:17

Matthew 21:22 - If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Click to read the verse Matthew 21:22 Click to read the verse Matthew 21:22

Psalms 50:15 - and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” Click to read the verse Psalms 50:15 Click to read the verse Psalms 50:15

Genesis 24:45 - “Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She wen... Click to read the verse Genesis 24:45 Click to read the verse Genesis 24:45

Psalms 145:18-19 - The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Click to read the verse Psalms 145:18-19 Click to read the verse Psalms 145:18-19

1 Samuel 1:27 - I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 1:27 Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 1:27

Job 21:15 - Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What would we gain by praying to him?’ Click to read the verse Job 21:15 Click to read the verse Job 21:15

Genesis 26:32 - That day Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well they had dug. They said, “We’ve foun... Click to read the verse Genesis 26:32 Click to read the verse Genesis 26:32

1 Kings 3:5 - At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for what... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 3:5 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 3:5

Song of Songs 3:4 - Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let hi... Click to read the verse Song of Songs 3:4 Click to read the verse Song of Songs 3:4

Psalms 34:4 - I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Click to read the verse Psalms 34:4 Click to read the verse Psalms 34:4

John 15:16 - You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will l... Click to read the verse John 15:16 Click to read the verse John 15:16

Psalms 10:4 - In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Click to read the verse Psalms 10:4 Click to read the verse Psalms 10:4

John 4:10 - Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you w... Click to read the verse John 4:10 Click to read the verse John 4:10

Psalms 27:8 - My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Click to read the verse Psalms 27:8 Click to read the verse Psalms 27:8

Isaiah 55:6-7 - Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Click to read the verse Isaiah 55:6-7 Click to read the verse Isaiah 55:6-7

John 16:23 - In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you w... Click to read the verse John 16:23 Click to read the verse John 16:23

1 John 5:14-15 - This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his wil... Click to read the verse 1 John 5:14-15 Click to read the verse 1 John 5:14-15

James 5:15 - And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If ... Click to read the verse James 5:15 Click to read the verse James 5:15

John 14:13 - And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. Click to read the verse John 14:13 Click to read the verse John 14:13

Jeremiah 33:3 - ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Click to read the verse Jeremiah 33:3 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 33:3

Proverbs 8:17 - I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Click to read the verse Proverbs 8:17 Click to read the verse Proverbs 8:17

Romans 2:7 - To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give etern... Click to read the verse Romans 2:7 Click to read the verse Romans 2:7

Jeremiah 29:13 - You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:13 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:13

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe ... Click to read the verse Hebrews 11:6 Click to read the verse Hebrews 11:6

Jeremiah 29:12-13 - Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:12-13 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:12-13

Matthew 18:19 - “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be don... Click to read the verse Matthew 18:19 Click to read the verse Matthew 18:19

John 14:13-14 - And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. Click to read the verse John 14:13-14 Click to read the verse John 14:13-14

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it... Click to read the verse Mark 11:24 Click to read the verse Mark 11:24

James 1:5-6 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding faul... Click to read the verse James 1:5-6 Click to read the verse James 1:5-6

2 Chronicles 12:14 - He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord. Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 12:14 Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 12:14

Mark 10:51 - “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Click to read the verse Mark 10:51 Click to read the verse Mark 10:51

Psalms 105:3-4 - Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Click to read the verse Psalms 105:3-4 Click to read the verse Psalms 105:3-4

Amos 5:4 - This is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: “Seek me and live; Click to read the verse Amos 5:4 Click to read the verse Amos 5:4

Psalms 3:4 - To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah Click to read the verse Psalms 3:4 Click to read the verse Psalms 3:4

Romans 3:11 - there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. Click to read the verse Romans 3:11 Click to read the verse Romans 3:11

Psalms 69:32 - The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live! Click to read the verse Psalms 69:32 Click to read the verse Psalms 69:32

Psalms 119:12 - Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. Click to read the verse Psalms 119:12 Click to read the verse Psalms 119:12

Psalms 70:4 - But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always s... Click to read the verse Psalms 70:4 Click to read the verse Psalms 70:4

John 15:7 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. Click to read the verse John 15:7 Click to read the verse John 15:7

Song of Songs 3:2 - I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the... Click to read the verse Song of Songs 3:2 Click to read the verse Song of Songs 3:2

John 16:23-24 - In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you w... Click to read the verse John 16:23-24 Click to read the verse John 16:23-24

Luke 11:9-13 - “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door w... Click to read the verse Luke 11:9-13 Click to read the verse Luke 11:9-13

1 John 3:22 - and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. Click to read the verse 1 John 3:22 Click to read the verse 1 John 3:22

Luke 18:39 - Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son o... Click to read the verse Luke 18:39 Click to read the verse Luke 18:39

Matthew 7:8 - For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be ope... Click to read the verse Matthew 7:8 Click to read the verse Matthew 7:8